Billy. Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I was scrolling through some old posts on here and I read something that really made me think... I've a big reservation as well about calling the police telling them i'm going to be out doing a legal activity. At times i'd be calling them daily which isn't going to happen, theres also the idea that once we all start doing it it will become compulsory. I don't ring the police, for the reason that there are a lot of people that shoot the surrounding area and land that I cover and I seriously doubt (knowing what they're like) that they'd have the time to bother calling the police to let them know. So if I'm the only one who's called and someone else is out and does something wrong, I'm going to be the first one they come looking for. Not that I wouldn't protest my innocence, I just wouldn't want to go through the stress of armed police and having all my guns taken away etc etc. Anyway, back to what I was really wanting to say: Loads of people are complaining on here that sooner or later we're going to have to ring up every time we want to go out. So quite simply, if you don't want it to be that way, don't call up. Understandably there are exceptions (shooting near houses etc) but just make that the only time you have to call up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Hamburger Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I agree with your point that you shouldn't have to report that you are going to pursue a legal activity. However you are slightly missing the point - if a member of the public reports that someone is spotted with a rifle it may result in a visit by the police to the reported "incident" site which requires manpower and is expensive. Those officers would be better employed fighting crime and violence and the (tax payers') money would be better spent elswhere. My view is that by phoning in advance giving the time, location, type of rifle and quary I am likely to prevent a visit by the Police, if a member of the public reports me. I also display the police "incident" log no. in my car window, together with my mobile number, if my car is parked on or near the place where I shoot. I also feel a lot less vunerable if, for example, I meet a party of ramblers - I don't have to hide in a hedge "just in case" - , I am happy to meet and great people in the field and promote shooting by being approachable and open about my activities. When I phone in to report planned shooting activities, and phone to close the "incident" log after have finished, the incident room staff is always extremely pleasant and gratefull for the way handle it, and they often say that if only all shooting activities would be logged like that it would prevent a a lot of wasted effort and time and money from their side. Saying all that, when I go out with the non-FAC air rifle or use a shotgun I don't report it to the police, only when using a FAC rated rifle. So my argument is not 100% watertight - I realise that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 i'm in agreement with Erik - it just saves a lot of hassle and wasted resource, most of my shoots are covered in ramblers, and because i've phoned in, on more than one occasion i've had a very pleasant call from the old bill confirming that's it's just me. I don't think this should be mandatory though, and in a lot of cases, calling in is unnecessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Interesting thought that were someone else to be involved in a shooting incident nearby that you would be their first port of call. I've found that the more you're out the better, you almost need to educate people in houses near farmland that shooting does go on and its nothing to be scared about. we've a few houses we shoot behind and they used to call the farm to say someone was out and the farmer would just say yes they are aren't they Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) Around here Edited June 11, 2009 by markbivvy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I don't bother calling the Police, and I see no reason to be furtive about shooting. I shoot every day, weather depending, and it is just not practical to alert the Police control room on a daily basis. I have been the subject of two complaints about shooting in the last 3 years. On both occasions, I was shooting on my own land, and the complainants had taken umbrage to me shooting pigeons. The ramblers committed a trespass by trying to investigate the source of the trespass, and were given a thorough dressing down by the (pro-shooting) Police officer for our area and sent packing. Erik (mindful of my own experience),I would be extremely hesitant about displaying my phone number in a car window. Ramblers are fairly benevolent folk, but antis and ****** are not people you would wish to have your phone number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Do or Don't call its your choice... But if you choose not to let the old bill know your out and about with a firearm and some ignorant fool calls them with some story about 'a madmad with a gun' or such like don't moan about the old bill when you are ordered to the ground by armed police DOING THEIR JOB..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) Do or Don't call its your choice... But if you choose not to let the old bill know your out and about with a firearm and some ignorant fool calls them with some story about 'a madmad with a gun' or such like don't moan about the old bill when you are ordered to the ground by armed police DOING THEIR JOB..... even after watching me and 2 mate shooting pigeons for the best part of 8 hours, the local police had a road block set up, 7 cop cars, 2 of which where arv,s and an ambulance on stand by to pull us over in full rush hour traffic. when they could have spoken to us in a field a long long way from a built up area. after a complaint by me to the cop shop involved i was told sometimes they us incidents like this as a training exercise.?:good:???:lol:? Edited June 11, 2009 by markbivvy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiggy1234567 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 It does not make a difference if you inform the police or not ... if they get a report about "someone with a gun" they have to respond, no if' or but's ! I don't bother! The only time I have had anyone question what I am doing, the people next door to one of the farms I shoot rang up the land owner with a "do you know there is a guy wandering across you land with a gun?" Round there they understand about such matters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardo Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 sure they have to respond - but calling you and asking "i that you sir" is a response, no helicopters, no armed response team, just a quick phone call, no waster taxpayers money - i've had it happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pavman Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 we have no such problems in Norfark/Sufark as they dont attend when we do have a reason to call them as they are either on leave on sick, filling out forms or manning speed traps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 i refuse to do it unless im lamping at night near houses. Otherwise it will end up as another silly law Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) Like Nick I too have had call backs from the old bill enquiring as to my wherabouts - due to a call from a member of the public. The call was polite and friendly in nature. I was asked if I had seen anyone else about with guns etc and then thanked for my time before being left alone to get on with the job at hand..... The fact that you (mark bivvy) witnessed the full extent of a armed response to a firearms incident should be testment to the ammount of money that could be saved by a quick call...... As for the 'sometimes they us incidents like this as a training exercise' comment God knows who said that to you but it is ******** the ARVs have much better things to do with their time and have plenty of practice at purpose built establishments. As for Wiggy's comment that they have to respond - Yes the police do have to treat Firearms calls as a priority and respond - HOWEVER the response should be proportionate and enquiries will always be carried out before the direction for ARVs to get involved is given (Unless they are round the corner etc).... As again Nick has said these enquiries could be a simple phone call to YOU clarifing that it is you, inocently going about your business, who has been spotted by a worried MOP - The response then would normally be a standard patrol car at the most if not (and more ususally) no need for police action... Edited June 11, 2009 by Newsportshooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) The fact that you (mark bivvy) witnessed the full extent of a armed response to a firearms incident should be testment to the ammount of money that could be save they had been watching us for 8 hours or more, one would have thought they might have had a clue from the amount of time we was in the hides that we were not robbers,terrorists, or the likes. common sense works both ways. Edited June 11, 2009 by markbivvy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 The fact that you (mark bivvy) witnessed the full extent of a armed response to a firearms incident should be testment to the ammount of money that could be save they had been watching us for 8 hours or more, one would have thought they might have had a clue from the amount of time we was in the hides that we were not robbers,terrorists, or the likes. common sense works both ways. Just out of interest 'did you call plod before you set up??' - If you had this incident may not have happened........ Proof in the pudding really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Just out of interest 'did you call plod before you set up??' - If you had this incident may not have happened........ Proof in the pudding really. no legal requirement to do so, especially when your out in the sticks. Proof in the pudding really utter nonsense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1960 Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 we have no such problems in Norfark/Sufark as they dont attend when we do have a reason to call them as they are either on leave on sick, filling out forms or manning speed traps Quite right too! Never felt the need to tell plod where i am for the last 40 years and i'm not starting now. If you're sensible there shouldn't be a need for them to turn up. There's a series of footpaths across my old shoot and i've met loads of people/ramblers over the years and never had any problems at all, maybe i've just been lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Just out of interest 'did you call plod before you set up??' - If you had this incident may not have happened........ Proof in the pudding really. no legal requirement to do so, especially when your out in the sticks. Proof in the pudding really utter nonsense. Did they have a number to call you on and check you were a legitimate shooter - NO - did they have to set up an RVP and request the assistance of other emergency services (NO in reality) but YES due to service policy. Could the taxpayer have been saved a bunch of cash by you calling before you set up - Undoubtably YES No legal requirement to call - Yes your quite right - but would a call have saved the whole incident from occuring - WITHOUT DOUBT. Lets not forget that people are people and some, even the most sane amongst us, unfortunately go postal.... and sometimes with firearms. The police take no chances with firearms incidents - the fact that you chose not to call them and let them know you were out with a gun (albeit you dont have to but still) which would, in my mind be a clear indication that you hadn't lost it and decided to take it out on the world with a gun.... is your perogative... And yet you sought to complain about the matter afterwards... No nonsense there mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 me truck was at my side all day, registration in plain view, registered to me, a sgc and fac holder on land that was submitted with my application, they have my name address and phone numbers.if i could do any more for them they would have to pay me. by the way , been out hundreds of times since then and its never happened again. that's without calling them. in my mind be a clear indication that you hadn't lost it and decided to take it out on the world with a gun. in the middle of a stubble field, in a hide , with decoys out, get real please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 I wont ring the Police beforehand because i dont have to.Im legitemate,my guns are too and i have permission from the farmer. If someone did report me to the rozzers-then thats their concern,but to be honest any half wit at Police HQ would realise its going to be someone pursuing a legal hobby.I understand that they're obliged to follow up any reports of guns,but why the heck should i when im legal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 me truck was at my side all day, registration in plain view, registered to me, a sgc and fac holder on land that was submitted with my application, they have my name address and phone numbers.if i could do any more for them they would have to pay me. by the way , been out hundreds of times since then and its never happened again. that's without calling them. in my mind be a clear indication that you hadn't lost it and decided to take it out on the world with a gun. in the middle of a stubble field, in a hide , with decoys out, get real please. Absolutely! Common sense should prevail: shooting is a legitimate activity & using a gun openly on farmland should not trigger an automatic "over the top" response.Personally I go from one permission to another depending on what happens to be doing & trying to tell plod where & exactly when would be difficult to say the least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 Absolutely! Common sense should prevail: shooting is a legitimate activity & using a gun openly on farmland should not trigger an automatic "over the top" response.Personally I go from one permission to another depending on what happens to be doing & trying to tell plod where & exactly when would be difficult to say the least. same here, with over 50 farms on the books i dont know where i am at times let alone tell anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 And the bloke who went to a clay shooting ground to shoot himself ? Outwardly, semmingly innocent - then again oh no he's dead............. Like I said let them know or don't it's your decision - but dont moan when plod do their job............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newsportshooter Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 (edited) I wont ring the Police beforehand because i dont have to.Im legitemate,my guns are too and i have permission from the farmer. If someone did report me to the rozzers-then thats their concern,but to be honest any half wit at Police HQ would realise its going to be someone pursuing a legal hobby.I understand that they're obliged to follow up any reports of guns,but why the heck should i when im legal? True but by letting them know your out and about - they could call you if theres a problem and sort it in seconds.................. without the need for an armed response? 'any half wit at Police HQ would realise its going to be someone pursuing a legal hobby' and what about poachers?? Edited June 11, 2009 by Newsportshooter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted June 11, 2009 Report Share Posted June 11, 2009 True but by letting them know your out and about - they could call you if theres a problem and sort it in seconds.................. without the need for an armed response? 'any half wit at Police HQ would realise its going to be someone pursuing a legal hobby' and what about poachers?? They still have to attend so there is no point in phoning them ? Had armed reponse out to me and the lad shooting over laid barley last year , got a bit funny when i asked him if he would let the farmer no it was them that had walked through the middle of his barley field Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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